by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet
The City of Mascotte celebrated the grand reopening of the city’s sports complex located at 750 Park Avenue on March 21st with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. The ribbon cutting hosted by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce recognized the total renovation of a park that had fallen in deep need of a makeover.
The nearly 1.5-million-dollar transformation was completed with grants received from The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). ARPA provides funding to governments in support of recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is aimed at addressing public needs and promoting economic recovery. Mascotte Mayor Steven Sheffield points out to city residents that no city tax dollars were utilized for the renovation project.
The complex boasts two baseball diamonds complete with player dugouts and shaded spectator stands. The fields are regulation size and will soon be fitted with fresh sod and irrigation capabilities. A brand new, regulation size soccer field was added as a third field to the complex that more than tripled from its original size.
Spacious parking replaces the once sand field lot that lacked safety measures such as lighting and proper pedestrian traffic paths. The new parking and field areas are equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and plentiful walkway areas of concrete and curbing. The impressive complex will soon include a concrete mortar style snack bar that will be constructed this summer.
Mayor Sheffield recognized two area residents that served the community with commitment and sincerity to youth. Field #1 was dedicated to former council member Pamela Tibbitts-Terry. Pamela had not only served the community of Mascotte but also served a lifelong career with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Pamela passed away unexpectedly in June of 2022
The second field dedication was the new soccer field in memory of Pastor Feliciano “Felix” Ramirez. Felix was an active community member in Mascotte and founding Pastor of First Baptist Church of Mascotte where he had pastored since 1983. Felix was employed by the Lake County School board for 35 years as an educator teaching migrant children the English language. Felix also served on the Mascotte City Council for 4 years before becoming mayor from 2007-2009. Felix also passed after a brief battle with cancer in February of 2023.
Following the ceremonies, two hometown games were played on the new diamonds. Teams comprised mostly of former adult league players that returned with an effort of revitalizing the former mixed leagues. A local seasoned player of the former teams, Tiffanie Seaver-Ahern, pitched the opening pitch that will set into motion a new wave of baseball and softball capabilities in the City of Mascotte for present and future generations alike. The first game played on the new field on opening day ended with a 30-13 victory. Homerun scores were recorded for players Felicia Massie, Thomas Prescott, Danny Phillips and Michael Sampson.
The City of Mascotte is making efforts to reorganize the former leagues. Interested people are encouraged to contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 352-557-8812 or visit www.CityOfMascotte.org
